ATP Analog Research Articles

HYPE‐mediated AMPylation as a novel therapeutic target for neurodegeneration

A major hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the deposition of the intrinsically disordered protein α‐synuclein (αSyn) into intracellular inclusions termed Lewy bodies. HYPE—the sole human representative of a conserved family of adenylyltransferase enzymes—has been shown to covalently modify (AMPylate) αSyn in vitro. Remarkably, HYPE‐mediated AMPylation ameliorates many of the neurotoxic phenotypes of αSyn implicated in the progression of PD, such as αSyn fibrillation and membrane permeability. These potentially cytoprotective phenomena conferred by HYPE’s adenylyltransferase activity make it an attractive therapeutic target. Unfortunately, wild‐type HYPE is intrinsically inhibited, showing only basal AMPylation levels relative to a constitutively active mutant (E234G‐HYPE). To this end, we set out to screen both FDA‐approved and proprietary small‐molecule compound libraries towards the identification of novel manipulators of HYPE AMPylation. Employing fluorescence polarization (FP) of a labelled ATP analogue (ATP‐FAM) on a 384‐well microplate platform, we’ve developed a robust, high‐throughput assay suitable for monitoring changes in AMPylation. First‐pass selection of our combined ~10,000 compound libraries yielded promising hit percentages: 0.3 for activators of WT HYPE, and 1.2 for inhibitors of E234G‐HYPE. Challenging neuronal cell culture models of PD with these hits provides molecular insights into αSyn‐induced neurotoxicity, and paves the path for novel therapeutic strategies in combating PD.Support or Funding InformationThis project was made possible with support from Grant # 11000704 (S. Mattoo, PI), Grant # UL1TR002529 (A. Shekhar, PI), and Grant # TL1TR002531 (T. Hurley, PI), from the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Clinical and Translational Sciences Award.

Investigation of the Conformational State of the 26S Proteasome Using FRET

The 26S proteasome is a multiprotein complex in eukaryotic organisms that mechanically degrades misfolded, mutated, and obsolete proteins. As a result, proteasome function, or the lack thereof, has implications for neurodegenerative diseases. As it unfolds and degrades protein substrates, the proteasome undergoes a series of conformational changes that have been seen in CryoEM structures, proceeding from the s1, or substrate‐accepting state, to the s3 and s3‐like substrate processing and translocating states. In this research, the 19S particle of yeast proteasome was tagged with the fluorescent proteins (FPs) mTurquoise and mNeonGreen. The distance‐dependent spectroscopic technique Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) was employed to track the conformational changes associated with proteasomal function. The non‐hydrolyzable ATP analog ATPγS increased the observed FRET signal relative to ATP, consistent with the known ability of ATPγS to bias the proteasome’s conformation toward the s3 or s3‐like states.Support or Funding InformationJRC is a Beckman Scholar. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1515229 to DAK.

Crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana casein kinase 2 α1.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous pleiotropic enzyme that is highly conserved across eukaryotic kingdoms. CK2 is singular amongst kinases as it is highly rigid and constitutively active. Arabidopsis thaliana is widely used as a model system in molecular plant research; the biological functions of A.thaliana CK2 are well studied in vivo and many of its substrates have been identified. Here, crystal structures of the α subunit of A. thaliana CK2 in three crystal forms and of its complex with the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog AMppNHp are presented. While the C-lobe of the enzyme is highly rigid, structural plasticity is observed for the N-lobe. Small but significant displacements within the active cleft are necessary in order to avoid steric clashes with the AMppNHp molecule. Binding of AMppNHp is influenced by a rigid-body motion of the N-lobe that was not previously recognized in maize CK2.

Identification Of An Actin Fold Containing Metabolic Enzyme That Undergoes Regulated Polymerization

Cytoskeletal actins are thought to have evolved from actin fold enzymes, such as hexokinase or hsp70, that acquired the ability to polymerize while losing all other enzymatic functions apart from ATP hydrolysis. However, the discovery of metabolic enzymes, such as CTP synthetase, whose enzyme activity is regulated by self‐assembly into filaments has suggested another route to evolving cytoskeletal polymers: a filament forming metabolic enzyme that lost its role in metabolism and acquired novel cellular functions. In order to investigate this possibility, we surveyed all of the actin fold sugar kinases in yeast for their ability to form filaments. This screen identified one metabolic actin, the yeast glucokinase, Glk1p, that was capable of forming filaments in vivo. We have reconstituted Glk1p polymerization in vitro and have found that either ATP/Glucose or glucose‐6‐phosphate is sufficient to trigger filament formation. Consistent with this, we have also found that increasing glucose‐6‐phosphate levels in vivo triggers Glk1p polymerization. Furthermore, the addition of glucose and nonhydrolyzable ATP analogs to Glk1p also causes filaments to form. Thus, ATP hydrolysis is not required for Glk1p polymerization. Interestingly, the addition of ADP causes rapid disassembly of glucose‐6‐phosphate/Glk1p filaments suggesting that the stability of the filament is sensitive to the hydrolysis of ATP. While this is reminiscent of the dynamic behavior of cytoskeletal actins, our studies of Glk1p argue that it forms filaments that are structurally distinct from cytoskeletal actin filaments. Since the early steps of glycolysis consume ATP before generating ATP, we propose that Glk1p polymerization acts as a brake on glycolysis to prevent catastrophic depletion of ATP under certain metabolic conditions. We are currently using our structural and biochemical insights into Glk1p polymerization to test this possibility. Because Glk1p is the first filament forming actin that has more enzymatic functions than simple ATP hydrolysis, our results provide novel insights into both the evolution of the actin cytoskeleton and how the plasticity of the actin fold can support both polymerization and essential enzymatic activities.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by a HHMI Collaborative Innovation Award

A plant pentatricopeptide repeat protein with a DYW-deaminase domain is sufficient for catalyzing C-to-U RNA editing in vitro

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins with C-terminal DYW domains are present in organisms that undergo C-to-U editing of organelle RNA transcripts. PPR domains act as specificity factors through electrostatic interactions between a pair of polar residues and the nitrogenous bases of an RNA target. DYW-deaminase domains act as the editing enzyme. Two moss (Physcomitrella patens) PPR proteins containing DYW-deaminase domains, PPR65 and PPR56, can convert Cs to Us in cognate, exogenous RNA targets co-expressed in Escherichia coli We show here that purified, recombinant PPR65 exhibits robust editase activity on synthetic RNAs containing cognate, mitochondrial PpccmFC sequences in vitro, indicating that a PPR protein with a DYW domain is solely sufficient for catalyzing C-to-U RNA editing in vitro Monomeric fractions possessed the highest conversion efficiency, and oligomeric fractions had reduced activity. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS analysis indicated a stoichiometry of two zinc ions per highly active PPR65 monomer. Editing activity was sensitive to addition of zinc acetate or the zinc chelators 1,10-o-phenanthroline and EDTA. Addition of ATP or nonhydrolyzable nucleotide analogs stimulated PPR65-catalyzed RNA-editing activity on PpccmFC substrates, indicating potential allosteric regulation of PPR65 by ATP. Unlike for bacterial cytidine deaminase, addition of two putative transition-state analogs, zebularine and tetrahydrouridine, failed to disrupt RNA-editing activity. RNA oligonucleotides with a single incorporated zebularine also did not disrupt editing in vitro, suggesting that PPR65 cannot bind modified bases due to differences in the structure of the active site compared with other zinc-dependent nucleotide deaminases.

Effect of Structure Variations in the Inter-subunit Contact Zone on the Activity and Allosteric Regulation of Inorganic Pyrophosphatase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Hexameric inorganic pyrophosphatase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt-PPase) has a number of structural and functional features that distinguish it from homologous enzymes widely occurring in living organisms. In particular, it has unusual zones of inter-subunit contacts and lacks the N-terminal region common for other PPases. In this work, we constructed two mutant forms of the enzyme, Ec-Mt-PPase and R14Q-Mt-PPase. In Ec-Mt-PPase, the missing part of the polypeptide chain was compensated with a fragment of PPase from Escherichia coli (Ec-PPase). In R14Q-Mt-PPase, a point mutation was introduced to the contact interface between the two trimers of the hexamer. Both modifications significantly improved the catalytic activity of the enzyme and abolished its inhibition by the cofactor (Mg2+ ion) excess. Activation of Mt-PPase by low (~10 μM) concentrations of ATP, fructose-1-phosphate, L-malate, and non-hydrolyzable substrate analogue methylene bisphosphonate (PCP) was observed. At concentrations of 100 μM and higher, the first three compounds acted as inhibitors. The activating effect of PCP was absent in both mutant forms, and the inhibitory effect of fructose-1-phosphate was absent in Ec-Mt-PPase. The effects of other modulators varied only quantitatively among the mutants. The obtained data indicate the presence of allosteric sites in Mt-PPase, which are located in the zones of inter-subunit contact or associated with them.

Molecular Docking Studies and Pharmacophore Modeling of Some Insulin Mimetic Agents from Herbal Sources: A Rational Approach towards Designing of Orally Active Insulin Mimetic Agents

Background:: Many herbal drugs have been found to possess oral insulin mimetic property as evidenced from the literature. Although, to date there is no efficient, synthetic orally active insulin-mimetic drug available clinically. Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) may help in the development of such agents through Pharmacophore modeling. Objective:: The present work is aimed at the In-silico designing of Pharmacophore that defines the structural requirements of a molecule to possess oral insulin-mimetic properties. Methods:: A set of 16 orally active insulin-mimetic natural compounds available through literature was used to develop a structure-based pharmacophore in a “three-step filtration process” comprised of Lipinski’s rule of 5, Minimum binding energy with the receptor and Ghose filter to the Lipinski’s rule for oral bioavailability of the drugs. The selected ligands were docked with phosphorylated insulin receptor tyrosine kinase in complex with peptide substrate and ATP analog (PDB ID: 1IR3) using Autodock 4.2 and their interaction with the receptor was analyzed followed by the generation of shared and merged feature pharmacophore by Ligandscout 4.2.1. Results:: There are three important structural features that contribute to interaction with the active site of the insulin receptor: these are hydrogen bond donor groups, hydrogen bond acceptor groups and hydrophobic interactions. It is important to note that positive or negative ionizable groups or the presence of aromatic rings are not important for the activity. Conclusion:: Taking a clue from the developed pharmacophore, one may design new lead having necessary groups required for the insulin-mimetic activity that can be elaborated synthetically to get a series of compounds with possible oral insulin-mimetic activity.

Structural elements that modulate the substrate specificity of plant purple acid phosphatases: Avenues for improved phosphorus acquisition in crops

Phosphate acquisition by plants is an essential process that is directly implicated in the optimization of crop yields. Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) are ubiquitous metalloenzymes, which catalyze the hydrolysis of a wide range of phosphate esters and anhydrides. While some plant PAPs display a preference for ATP as the substrate, others are efficient in hydrolyzing phytate or 2-phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP). PAP from red kidney bean (rkbPAP) is an efficient ATP- and ADPase, but has no activity towards phytate. Crystal structures of this enzyme in complex with ATP analogues (to 2.20 and 2.60 Å resolution, respectively) complement the recent structure of rkbPAP with a bound ADP analogue (ChemBioChem 20 (2019) 1536). Together these complexes provide the first structural insight of a PAP in complex with molecules that mimic biologically relevant substrates. Homology modeling was used to generate three-dimensional structures for the active sites of PAPs from tobacco (NtPAP) and thale cress (AtPAP26) that are efficient in hydrolyzing phytate and PEP as preferred substrates, respectively. The combining of crystallographic data, substrate docking simulations and a phylogenetic analysis of 49 plant PAP sequences (including the first PAP sequences reported from Eucalyptus) resulted in the identification of several active site residues that are important in defining the substrate specificities of plant PAPs; of particular relevance is the identification of a motif (“REKA”) that is characteristic for plant PAPs that possess phytase activity. These results may inform bioengineering studies aimed at identifying and incorporating suitable plant PAP genes into crops to improve phosphorus acquisition and use efficiency. Organic phosphorus sources increasingly supplement or replace inorganic fertilizer, and efficient phosphorus use of crops will lower the environmental footprint of agriculture while enhancing food production.

Direct Observation of Ligand-induced Conformational Changes of P-glycoprotein in AFM and Correlation with Surface-absorbed Activity Measurements

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that is capable of pumping drugs out of a cell. This membrane protein is overexpressed in cancer cells and has been identified as a major cause of cancer drug failure. Hence, significant interest surrounds determining the structure/function relationship of this protein. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a single molecule method that can probe conformational dynamics in biologically relevant conditions and is well suited for membrane protein studies. In previous work [K.P. Sigdel et al. Biochemical Pharmacology 156, 302 (2018)], we directly imaged Pgp in supported lipid bilayers and observed structural changes of specific sides of the protein, distinguished by antibodies and the inherent asymmetry in the bilayer. Here, we extend the study to conformational dynamics in the presence of ligands including drugs and ATP analogs. We also introduce glass as a supporting surface in lieu of mica as evidence suggests [K. Chattrakun et al. Langmuir 35, 12246 (2019)] that this rougher surface can provide a more native-like environment for membrane proteins. Independent of surface species selection, absorption can raise questions about activity. An ATP hydrolysis assay tracking the release of radiolabeled gamma-phosphate was performed on the surface-bound Pgp system. Taken together, the data suggest that hydrolysis activity is maintained for our AFM preparations.

Negative regulation of RAF kinase activity by ATP is overcome by 14-3-3-induced dimerization.

The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling axis is frequently activated in human cancers. Physiological concentrations of ATP prevent formation of RAF kinase-domain (RAFKD) dimers that are critical for activity. Here we present a 2.9-Å-resolution crystal structure of human BRAFKD in complex with MEK and the ATP analog AMP-PCP, revealing interactions between BRAF and ATP that induce an inactive, monomeric conformation of BRAFKD. We also determine how 14-3-3 relieves the negative regulatory effect of ATP through a 2.5-Å-resolution crystal structure of the BRAFKD-14-3-3 complex, in which dimeric 14-3-3 enforces a dimeric BRAFKD assembly to increase BRAF activity. Our data suggest that most oncogenic BRAF mutations alter interactions with ATP and counteract the negative effects of ATP binding by lowering the threshold for RAF dimerization and pathway activation. Our study establishes a framework for rationalizing oncogenic BRAF mutations and provides new avenues for improved RAF-inhibitor discovery.

Tuning mitochondrial structure and function to criticality by fluctuation-driven mechanotransduction

Cells in vascular walls are exposed to blood pressure variability (BPV)-induced cycle-by-cycle fluctuations in mechanical forces which vary considerably with pathology. For example, BPV is elevated in hypertension but reduced under anesthesia. We hypothesized that the extent of mechanical fluctuations applied to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) regulates mitochondrial network structure near the percolation transition, which also influences ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We stretched VSMCs in culture with cycle-by-cycle variability in area strain ranging from no variability (0%), as in standard laboratory conditions, through abnormally small (6%) and physiological (25%) to pathologically high (50%) variability mimicking hypertension, superimposed on 0.1 mean area strain. To explore how oxidative stress and ATP-dependent metabolism affect mitochondria, experiments were repeated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and AMP-PNP, an ATP analog and competitive inhibitor of ATPases. Physiological 25% variability maintained activated mitochondrial cluster structure at percolation with a power law distribution and exponent matching the theoretical value in 2 dimensions. The 25% variability also maximized ATP and minimized cellular and mitochondrial ROS production via selective control of fission and fusion proteins (mitofusins, OPA1 and DRP1) as well as through stretch-sensitive regulation of the ATP synthase and VDAC1, the channel that releases ATP into the cytosol. Furthermore, pathologically low or high variability moved mitochondria away from percolation which reduced the effectiveness of the electron transport chain by lowering ATP and increasing ROS productions. We conclude that normal BPV is required for maintaining optimal mitochondrial structure and function in VSMCs.

ATP-binding affinity of the ε subunit of thermophilic F1-ATPase under label-free conditions

The ε subunits of several bacterial F1-ATPases bind ATP. ATP binding to the ε subunit has been shown to be involved in the regulation of F1-ATPase from thermophilic Bacillus sp. PS3 (TF1). We previously reported that the dissociation constant for ATP of wild-type ε subunit of TF1 at 25 °C is 4.3 μM by measuring changes in the fluorescence of the dye attached to the ε subunit (Kato, S. et al. (2007) J. Biol. Chem.282, 37618). However, we have recently noticed that this varies with the dye used. In this report, to determine the affinity for ATP under label-free conditions, we have measured the competitive displacement of 2′(3′)-O-N′-methylaniloyl-aminoadenosine-5′-triphosphate (Mant-ATP), a fluorescent analog of ATP, by ATP. The dissociation constant for ATP of wild-type ε subunit of TF1 at 25 °C was determined to be 0.29 μM, which is one order of magnitude higher affinity than previously reported values.

In vitro AMPylation/Adenylylation of Alpha-synuclein by HYPE/FICD.

One of the major histopathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease are Lewy bodies (LBs) -cytoplasmic inclusions, enriched with fibrillar forms of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn). Progressive deposition of α-syn into LBs is enabled by its propensity to fibrillize into insoluble aggregates. We recently described a marked reduction in α-syn fibrillation in vitro upon posttranslational modification (PTM) by the Fic (Filamentation induced by cAMP) family adenylyltransferase HYPE/FICD (Huntingtin yeast-interacting protein E/FICD). Specifically, HYPE utilizes ATP to covalently decorate key threonine residues in α-syn's N-terminal and NAC (non-amyloid-β component) regions with AMP (adenosine monophosphate), in a PTM termed AMPylation or adenylylation. Status quo in vitro AMPylation reactions of HYPE substrates, such as α-syn, use a variety of ATP analogs, including radiolabeled α-32P-ATP or α-33P-ATP, fluorescent ATP analogs, biotinylated-ATP analogs (N6-[6-hexamethyl]-ATP-Biotin), as well as click-chemistry-based alkyl-ATP methods for gel-based detection of AMPylation. Current literature describing a step-by-step protocol of HYPE-mediated AMPylation relies on an α-33P-ATP nucleotide instead of the more commonly available α-32P-ATP. Though effective, this former procedure requires a lengthy and hazardous DMSO-PPO (dimethyl sulfoxide-polyphenyloxazole) precipitation. Thus, we provide a streamlined alternative to the α-33P-ATP-based method, which obviates the DMSO-PPO precipitation step. Described here is a detailed procedure for HYPE mediated AMPylation of α-syn using α-32P-ATP as a nucleotide source. Moreover, our use of a reusable Phosphor screen for AMPylation detection, in lieu of the standard, single-use autoradiography film, provides a faster, more sensitive and cost-effective alternative.

Functional Expression of Multidrug Resistance Protein 4 MRP4/ABCC4

To study the function and structure of membrane proteins, high quantities of pure and stable protein are needed. One of the first hurdles in accomplishing this is expression of the membrane protein at high levels and in a functional state. Membrane proteins are naturally expressed at low levels, so finding a suitable host for overexpression is imperative. Multidrug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) or ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4 (ABCC4) is a multi-transmembrane protein that is able to transport a range of organic anionic compounds (both endogenous and xenobiotic) out of the cell. This versatile transporter has been linked with extracellular signaling pathways and cellular protection, along with conferring drug resistance in cancers. Here we report the use of MRP4 as a case study to be expressed in three different expression systems: mammalian, insect, and yeast cells, to gain the highest yield possible. Interestingly, using the baculovirus expression system with Sf9 insect cells produced the highest protein yields. Vesicular transport assays were used to confirm that MRP4 expressed in Sf9 was functional using a fluorescent cAMP analogue (fluo-cAMP) instead of the traditional radiolabeled substrates. MRP4 transported fluo-cAMP in an ATP-dependent manner. The specificity of functional expression of MRP4 was validated by the use of nonhydrolyzable ATP analogues and MRP4 inhibitor MK571. Functionally expressed MRP4 in Sf9 cells can now be used in downstream processes such as solubilization and purification in order to better understand its function and structure.

Direct in Vitro Selection of Trans-Acting Ribozymes for Posttranscriptional, Site-Specific, and Covalent Fluorescent Labeling of RNA.

General and efficient tools for site-specific fluorescent or bioorthogonal labeling of RNA are in high demand. Here, we report direct in vitro selection, characterization, and application of versatile trans-acting 2'-5' adenylyl transferase ribozymes for covalent and site-specific RNA labeling. The design of our partially structured RNA pool allowed for in vitro evolution of ribozymes that modify a predetermined nucleotide in cis (i.e., intramolecular reaction) and can then be easily engineered for applications in trans (i.e., in an intermolecular setup). The resulting ribozymes are readily designed for specific target sites in small and large RNAs and accept a wide variety of N6-modified ATP analogues as small-molecule substrates. The most efficient new ribozyme (FH14) shows excellent specificity toward its target sequence also in the context of total cellular RNA.

Crystal Structures of the 43 kDa ATPase Domain of Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. Oryzae Topoisomerase IV ParE Subunit and its Complex with Novobiocin

Topoisomerase IV, one of the best-established antibacterial targets, is an enzyme crucial for chromosome segregation and cell division by catalyzing changes in DNA topology through breaking and rejoining DNA. This enzyme functions as a heterotetramer consisting of two ParC and two ParE subunits. Aminocoumarin class inhibitors target the ParE subunit, while widely used quinolones target the ParC subunit. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the ParE 43 kDa ATPase domain from Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Size exclusion chromatography showed that the ParE ATPase domain exists as a monomer in solution, while it dimerizes when ATP is added. Structural comparison with the structure of Escherichia coli ParE in complex with an ATP analogue showed large conformational change of the subdomains within the protein. We also determined the structure of the ParE ATPase domain in complex with novobiocin, a natural product aminocoumarin class inhibitor, revealing its binding mode and the structural change within the ATP-binding site induced by novobiocin binding. These results could provide a basis for the design of more potent topoisomerase IV inhibitors with improved antibacterial activity.

Positional effects of premature termination codons on the biochemical and biophysical properties of CFTR.

Biochemical and biophysical characterizations of three nonsense mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) associated with a severe form of cystic fibrosis (CF) reveal the importance and heterogenous effects of the position of the premature termination codon (PTC) on the CFTR protein function. Electrophysiological studies of W1282X-CFTR, whose PTC is closer to the C-terminus of CFTR, suggest the presence of both C-terminus truncated CFTR proteins that are poorly functional and read-through, full-length products. For G542X- and E60X-CFTR, the only mechanism capable of generating functional proteins is the read-through, but the outcome of read-through products is highly variable depending on the interplay between the missense mutation caused by the read-through and the structural context of the protein. Pharmacological studies of these three PTCs with various CFTR modulators suggest position-dependent therapeutic strategies for these disease-inflicting mutations. About one-third of genetic diseases and cancers are caused by the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs). In theory, the location of the PTC in a gene determines the alternative mechanisms of translation, including premature cessation or reinitiation of translation, and read-through, resulting in differential effects on protein integrity. In this study, we used CFTR as a model system to investigate the positional effect of the PTC because of its well-understood structure-function relationship and pathophysiology. The characterization of three PTC mutations, E60X-, G542X- and W1282X-CFTR revealed heterogenous effects of these PTCs on CFTR function. The W1282X mutation results in both C-terminus truncated and read-through proteins that are partially or fully functional. In contrast, only the read-through protein is functional with E60X- and G542X-CFTR, although abundant N-terminus truncated proteins due to reinitiation of translation were detected in E60X-CFTR. Single-channel studies of the read-through proteins of E60X- and G542X-CFTR demonstrated that both mutations have a single-channel amplitude similar to wild type (WT), and good responses to high-affinity ATP analogues, suggesting intact ion permeation pathways and nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), albeit with reduced open probability (Po ). The comparison of the Po of these mutations with the proposed missense mutations revealed potential identities of the read-through products. Importantly, a majority of the functional protein studied responds to CFTR modulators like GLPG1837 and Lumacaftor. These results not only expand current understanding of the molecular (patho)physiology of CFTR, but also infer therapeutic strategies for different PTC mutations at large.

A novel phospho-modulatory mechanism contributes to the calcium-dependent regulation of T-type Ca2+ channels

Cav3 / T-type Ca2+ channels are dynamically regulated by intracellular Ca2+ ions, which inhibit Cav3 availability. Here, we demonstrate that this inhibition becomes irreversible in the presence of non-hydrolysable ATP analogs, resulting in a strong hyperpolarizing shift in the steady-state inactivation of the residual Cav3 current. Importantly, the effect of these ATP analogs was prevented in the presence of intracellular BAPTA. Additional findings obtained using intracellular dialysis of inorganic phosphate and alkaline phosphatase or NaN3 treatment further support the involvement of a phosphorylation mechanism. Contrasting with Cav1 and Cav2 Ca2+ channels, the Ca2+-dependent modulation of Cav3 channels appears to be independent of calmodulin, calcineurin and endocytic pathways. Similar findings were obtained for the native T-type Ca2+ current recorded in rat thalamic neurons of the central medial nucleus. Overall, our data reveal a new Ca2+ sensitive phosphorylation-dependent mechanism regulating Cav3 channels, with potentially important physiological implications for the multiple cell functions controlled by T-type Ca2+ channels.

Kinase Inhibitor Screening In Self-assembled Human Protein Microarrays.

The screening of kinase inhibitors is crucial for better understanding properties of a drug and for the identification of potentially new targets with clinical implications. Several methodologies have been reported to accomplish such screening. However, each has its own limitations (e.g., the screening of only ATP analogues, restriction to using purified kinase domains, significant costs associated with testing more than a few kinases at a time, and lack of flexibility in screening protein kinases with novel mutations). Here, a new protocol that overcomes some of these limitations and can be used for the unbiased screening of kinase inhibitors is presented. A strength of this method is its ability to compare the activity of kinase inhibitors across multiple proteins, either between different kinases or different variants of the same kinase. Self-assembled protein microarrays generated through the expression of protein kinases by a human-based in vitro transcription and translation system (IVTT) are employed. The proteins displayed on the microarray are active, allowing for measurement of the effects of kinase inhibitors. The following procedure describes the protocol steps in detail, from the microarray generation and screening to the data analysis.

Activation of Prejunctional P2x2/3 Heterotrimers by ATP Enhances the Cholinergic Tone in Obstructed Human Urinary Bladders.

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of ATP in cholinergic neurotransmission in the urinary bladder of control men and of patients obstructed as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Human detrusor samples were collected from 41 patients who submitted to transvesical prostatectomy resulting from BPH and 26 male organ donors. The release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) was evoked by electrical field stimulation (10 Hz, 200 pulses) in urothelium-denuded detrusor strips. Myographic recordings were performed to test detrusor strip sensitivity to ACh and ATP. Nerve-evoked [3H]ACh release was 1.5-fold higher in detrusor strips from BPH patients compared with controls. This difference was abolished after desensitization of ionotropic P2X1-3 receptors with an ATP analog, α,β-methylene ATP (30 μM, applied for 15 minutes). TNP-ATP (10 nM, a preferential P2X2/3 antagonist) and A317491 (100 nM, a selective P2X3 antagonist) were about equipotent in decreasing nerve-evoked [3H]ACh release in control detrusor strips, but the selective P2X1 receptor antagonist NF023 (3 μM) was devoid of effect. The inhibitory effect of TNP-ATP (10 nM) increased from 27% ± 9% to 43% ± 6% in detrusor strips of BPH patients, but the effect of A317491 (100 nM) [3H]ACh release unaltered (20% ± 2% vs. 24% ± 4%). The amplitude of ACh (0.1-100 μM)-induced myographic recordings decreased, whereas sensitivity to ATP (0.01-3 mM) increased in detrusor strips from BPH patients. Besides the well characterized P2X1 receptor-mediated contractile activity of ATP in pathologic human bladders, we show here for the first time that cholinergic hyperactivity in the detrusor of BPH patients is facilitated by activation of ATP-sensitive P2X2/3 heterotrimers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Bladder outlet obstruction often leads to detrusor overactivity and reduced bladder compliance in parallel to atropine-resistant increased purinergic tone. Our data show that P2X1 purinoceptors are overexpressed in the detrusor of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Besides the P2X1 receptor-mediated detrusor contractions, ATP favors nerve-evoked acetylcholine release via the activation of prejunctional P2X2/3 excitatory receptors in these patients Thus, our hypothesis is that manipulation of the purinergic tone may be therapeutically useful to counteract cholinergic overstimulation in obstructed patients.